Naiqamu: No nation can escape the impacts of climate change

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Minster for Forestry Osea Naiqamu is joined by the General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches James Bhagwan (left) with Reverend Dawn Gikandi and Professor Dr Fernando Enss during a tree planting exercise on Saturday, January 18, 2020. Picture: JOVESA NAISUA /FT FILE

NO nation, big or small, wealthy or poor can escape the impact of climate change, says Minister for Forests Osea Naiqamu.

Mr Naiqamu, while speaking at the tree planting exercise with the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC), said it was becoming clearer that climate change was already having repercussions that seemed almost biblical in scope.

He said rising sea levels threatened every coastline.

“More powerful storms and floods threaten every continent. On shrinking islands and shorelines, families are already being forced to flee their homes as climate refugees,” Mr Naiqamu said.

He said the security and stability of our nation were in jeopardy and the time we had to control those phenomena was quickly running out.

“I believe climate change disproportionately affects the poorest and most vulnerable around the world, often those who have done the least to contribute to change in climate yet have already started to bear the brunt of its devastating effects, Fiji included.”

Mr Naiqamu said yesterday’s program was the start of what the ministry would like to see as a formidable partnership with faith-based organisations in Fiji and the region — a partnership to better address the effects of climate change and the renewed respect for creation.

“In our daily lives, we all need regular reminders of our connection with nature and our planet. This act is fundamental. The health of our planet is essential to our own health and well-being and to our future and trees are an essential part of it.”

He added that the ministry recognised that faith-based organisations could yield significant influence in the lives of people and in choosing to partner with PCC.

“We hope that PCC, its members and other faith-based groups could help tackle climate change, other environmental concerns and contribute to Fiji’s socio-economic development.

“I keep saying that planting trees is the most practical and tangible nature-based solution to addressing such issues.

“And I hope and pray that the trees that we plant today will bring us a step closer in making our world a safer and better place.”

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